January 09, 2009

Ok so I love this poster by shepard fairey for the animal adoption group adopt a pet on so many levels. Stunningly beautiful artwork first and foremost. A cause so utterly worthy and personally very near and dear to my heart. A concept that not only leverages a phrase from our president elect (mutts like me) but also the iconic image from the election. Lot's of ways to get involved: adopt a pet, donate some money, buy the limited edition print when it goes on sale. And finally, on a more personal note, this lovely image bares a striking resemblance to a certain beloved rescue pooch who lives in our household, sir ruppert. Like I said, perfection on so many levels!

June 04, 2008

These large scale paintings of dogs by simon schrikker are stunningly beautiful and powerfully intimidating. I'm a total dog lover but that doesn't keep me from being frightened by them when they're being aggressive. Having been bitten badly as a child, I know the absolute terror a vicious dog can provoke and these paintings capture a fraction of that feeling for me through their sheer size and painting technique. Even in adoring dogs, I always remember that they still have some wildness deep inside, there for their own protection when mistreated or threatened or provoked. What I love most about this work is that I'm not sure if these dogs are friendly or dangerous, playful or about to attack. Powerful and disconcerting, they make me stop and consider what I want to do next. Amazing!

March 21, 2008

Aren't these prints by sonia rollo delightful? Ah, etching and dogs combined together, a favorite art medium meets a favorite subject, so I'm bound to start out happy. But of course it's the way the animals are rendered and brought to life with such empathy and insight that's the real story here. Beautifully composed, colored and drawn, they convey the spirit and character of their subjects with such sensitivity. Which just makes me happy.

February 29, 2008

I had to share this lovely drawing by lauren nassef. I'm loving the composition as well as the terrific line work. She's so beautifully captured the way a dog sleeps too, fully there, wherever they lay down, with deep abandon. Such a nice drawing!

February 24, 2008

This is a strange and kind of wonderful video from the band vitalic using dogs in motion, in air, to accompany their song. Dogs are so great. Slow mo, funny, falling, leaping. I don't care how I see them, they always make me smile.

February 21, 2008

Have you seen these lovely paintings of dogs by denise simon over at the wonderful shiny squirrel. I love their simplicity and straightforward dogness. And they also come as a set of cards below, so we doesn't have to stop at adopting just one. So sweet and fabulous!

January 21, 2008

Mm, what a nice painting of a dog by john giese. I love the composition and the color palette, subdued and surprising. And the skilled use of materials. I find this to be a strong and memorable painting which is also quite haunting for some reason. I'm not sure why, which is just fine by me.

January 20, 2008

This is what I encountered yesterday on N. Mississippi. Honestly. It blew my mind. The dog seemed fine with it, almost proud. I don't exactly know how I feel about it. Shocked by the oddness of it, a little worried for the dogs welfare, a bit thrilled by the boldness of it (assuming that the dog hasn't been harmed by the dye). I guess I'm kind of at sixes and sevens here.